the scent of gardenias
warm summer nights
we kids in pajamas
windows cranked down
born along by Buzzer
our yellow Nash Rambler

gardenia, orange blossoms,
smoke from Dad’s cigarette
mom’s long brown hair
against tan bare shoulders
black halter top
wide red belt to match lips and nails
white polka dots on a black skirt
easy evening out for the two of them

double feature
kid’s cartoon
then something more adult
first show not finished
before brown gardenia
dropped from my hand
child’s peaceful slumber

In those days I liked to think
my magic fragrant flower
moved my parents closer
on Buzzer’s bench seat
that somehow my child’s ritual
charmed Mother’s choice
before special dates with Dad
when she wore her black halter top
and spritzed Jungle Gardenia
on her tan shoulders